The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-04-02

from his own case, and waited to hear wha t
mis- companion had to say.
1--WE heard little story about you, Can
tain, and certain young lady," said Mr..
Lazarus, putting at his cigar
''What do you mean!n inquired Spencer,
starting.
cover Elstead way" said Mr.. Lazarus.
pointing over his shoulder and grinning.
A dangerous light CLEANED for moment
in Spencer Alwyn's blue eye, and his face
flushed as he encountered Mr.. Lazarus,
knowing Look He took two or three quick
whiffs at his cigarette, and then said:
"What have you heardp'
"a friend of mine from those parts tells
me of a pretty young lady who is pining for
certain military gentleman" remarked
Mr.. Lazarus, playfully.
"Look here, my friendr' cried Spencer
Alwyn, rising from his chair. drop that
offensive tone of yours, and don't presume
to allude to that young lady again. under
stand what you are driving at. Were you so
ready to renew that bill just now in conse-
quence of some cocll-and- bull story YOU
have heard!n
Captain, you are in honor bou nd to do il, y
said Mr.. Lazarus, earnestly. 81 won't al
Jude to the young lady if you don't wish it,
but, there being no obstacle, as | am in
formed, believe it wouldn't be honest
for it would in fact be downright robbery
for you not to avail yourself of legitimate
opportunity of paying your debts"
"Who put this nonsense into your head
My parents!n inquired Spencer Alwyn,
looking very pale, and breathing hard.
'Have you been applying to them9"
80, no. 1t was quite another party,
said Mr.. Lazarus, with cheerful assurance
81 assure you, Captain, the story is common
talk in the village down yonder, and it
amt the lady that minds, if all I'm told be
truen
81 hope not" said Spencer Alwyn, grave
ly. 81 mean, - he added, with rising colr,
that hope there is no idle gossip abut
the young lady. AS to marrying tina is
quite out of the question. 1t would be1is-
honorable and contemplate, and-and by
Jovel-Dlr. Lazarus, feel inclined to wiring
your neck for suggesting such a Ting!
What do you mean by it, eh?n
"Hang it all, Captain p cried Mr. Lazarus,
starting to his feet and dropping his cigar.
LET US remember that we are gentlemen
and not use strong language. l mant no
offense, only | still think
81 don't care what you think, MI Laza-
rus interrupted Spencer Alwyn, loftily.
"Oblige me by dropping the subject and
never allude to it again. But Their | beg
your pardon for my strong expressions.
Shake hands, Mr.. Lazarus. And NV, good
byer'
"Well, he is a hot-tempered ont, and no
mistake muttered Mr. LaZarls, as he
CROPPED about for his cigar under the desk
after his visitor had flung out of the room.
Persuasion and argument won't do, that's
certain. | must try the other plan-'the
same way another way as ihe cookery
books say"
Three months and a week mad elapsed
since the foregoing co nversation, and Cap
tain Spencer Alwyn was doggelly prepared
to meet the social ruin w hich stared him in
the face. He had failed to come to any ar
rangement with Mr.. Lazarus, in fact he
had never seen him since tie interview
above described. He had been disappointed
about the staff appointment which he had
hoped for and no miracle had occurred to
relieve him from his embarrassments. His
fatal acceptance had been presented for
payment with formalities which showed
that Mr.. Lazarus meant mischief. The next
knock at the door would probably come
from the hand which bore the inevitable
writ.
Spencer Alwyn endeavored to thrust
from his mind as much as possible all
thought of the girl he loved. He preferred
to hug his pride, and to keep his eyes reso-
lutely fixed upon his fetish honor, which
seemed so bright and dazzling that it, no
doubt, blinded him little But the con-
temptation of it relieved the bitterness OF
his present position, and he felt that he was
going forth into the world like a true
knight in immaculate armor sans reproche.
Seated at breakfast one eventful morn
ing, he was complacently contemplating
the fact that, allowing for payments on &C
count and deducting interest, his effects
would realize enough to pay Mr.. Lazarus a
considerable dividend upon his debt, when
the current of his idea was abruptly turned
by the sight of well-linown handwriting
upon an envelope which his servant handed
to him.
1t was letter from Constance Manning.
The young man turned pale as ne opened it,
and his hand trembled somewhat. He had
seen very little of Constance for the last
two years, having purposely avoided her,
perhaps, if the truth were known, because
he mistrusted his own strength of purpose,
He started at perceiving that she addressed
him by his Christian name, though they
had so called one another from childhood.
Yet, after the interval that had elapsed,
the incident caused him strange emotion,
and brought the color to his cheeks again.
All sentiments except those of surprise
and alarm vanished, however, as he pro
oeeded to read. The letter was very brief
and somewhat incoherent; but it stated that
the writer was in some great trouble, and
implored him to come to her assistance
without moments delay. Within an hour
Spencer AIwyn was flying to her assistance
as fast as an express train could carry him,
wild with impatience, and full of generous
sympathy
+ Constance Manning lived on the estate
which she had Inherited having for her
companion and adviser an amiable old lady,
who was excellently qualified to discharge
her duties. Spencer Alwyn strove in vain
to imagine the cause of her distress, or why
she had sent for him of all people. His
first question on reaching the lodge gates
was to ask the porter if his mistress was
well, and he was relieved to find that there
seemed no cause for anxiety upon that
score, neither had any appa rent evil befalI
en- her. And when Constance came for
ward to greet him at the entrance door he
| perceived no signs of emotion in Ter except
a rising color and an unusual brightness in
| her eyes.
at was very good of you to come, Spen
| Ger - said the girl. rs thew confronted oOf